European Class, Mexican Style
By Siobhan Flynn | April 02, 2009
It’s a lot like Europe, but much closer and much cheaper. This was a headline used in a 1972 National Geographic article on Mazatlan, which still holds true today.
In just a two-hour flight from LAX you can find yourself sipping Margaritas in Plazuela Machado.
Mazatlan’s historic district has been returned to its former glory over the last 10 years and oozes neoclassical charm reminiscent of Italy and Spain. There is a glorious Opera House, an academy of the arts, bars and restaurants galore. And what’s more you are a block from the Pearl of the Pacific’s coastline with its swaying palms and unspoiled, crescent-shaped beaches.
What differentiates Mazatlan from other Mexican resort destinations is that it still very much functions as a city, while fishermen bring their catches in at 6am to sell to locals on the beach.
Coastal tourist bars and restaurants still abound but there is also an authenticity and a sleepiness that makes you feel as if you’ve stumbled into someone else’s life. Yet, tourists are always welcome here, with locals often greeting travelers with enthusiasm for their evolving city.
The surrounding villages are well worth a look. The old colonial mining town of Copala is charming and El Quelite has a fantastic restaurant El Meson de los Laureles where you can sample every type of local food including beef tongue.
The Blue Agave Tequila Factory is a nice respite, a picturesque hacienda set among thousands of Blue Agave plants and plenty of smooth Tequila to sample.
In just a few days you can cram in enough culture, history and beauty to feed off for a long time to come and with such reasonable prices it is the perfect recession getaway.
EXPLORE
Pronatures – your one stop shop for all village visits and tours -guide Ernesto Pina’s knowledge verges on encyclopedic. elcid.com
DANCE
Mambo Café has a great mix of Salsa and pop music in a relaxed environment where young and old alike hit the dance floor.
www.mambocafe.com.mx ROMANCE
Take a long weekend at the Hotel Melville or Casa Lucila and wander the streets of the historic district.
www.casalucila.com,
www.themelville.com GET AROUND
“Pulmonias” a kind of Mexican golf cart that can be flagged down anywhere are the only way to travel.
DINE
Enjoy delicious food while watching the world go by on the patio at Pedro Y Lola’s restaurant in Plazuela Machada
www.restaurantpedroylola.com RELAX
Hotel Playa Mazatlan’s sandy beaches, pools and butterfly sanctuary melt away stress.
There is a Temazcal (traditional Mexican Sweat Lodge) on site. You are lead through 20 min shifts of sweating and diving into an ice-cold cenote.
www.hotelplayamazatlan.com SOUL
Whale watch or swim with wild dolphins with Marine Life Scientist Oscar Guzon – an Indiana Jones of the sea who will take you as close as you’ll ever get to these magnificent creatures.
www.oncaexplorations.com
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Comments to date: 7. Page 1 of 1. Average Rating:  Letty Ramirez
California | 11:02am on Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 | ....Oh and Hotel Playa Mazatlan has the perfect Terraza for a sunset romantic wedding.... 18 Days... |
Letty Ramirez
California | 10:57am on Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 | I love Mazatlan so much that I am having my destination wedding there in 18 Days. What an amazing city. Emerald Bay Pueblo Bonito is a dream place to relax. This article is right on all the way. |
Robert
Mazatlan | 1:09pm on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 | Great Article. I live in Mazatlan and I'm originally from Los Angeles, CA. I loved it so much I decided to move here. This is a great place for retirement as well. |
jan anderson
hollywood | 12:49pm on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 | What a way with words!! I am there in a flash!! my husband is booking as we speak!! thanks for the great article... |
Kate campbell
Irvine | 10:01am on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 | Would love to go there! |
Kenneth
Lyons | 9:33am on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 | Helpful and informative! Thank you. |
paul beckman
mazatlan | 8:52am on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 | Great Article! ONE SUGGESTION:
Siobhan misspelled Temazcal (in the Hotel Playa Mazatlan Section). She spelled it Temesca. The correct spelling is Temazcal (look up in google / wikipedia).
Bests |
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